Live in beautiful Cape Town and work alongside professionals to gain practical legal and human rights experience

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Travel to Africa with a group of people your age and do a Law and Human Rights internship in South Africa. You will gain valuable insight into the world of law and human rights, as well as add international experience to your CV.

You'll live and work in Cape Town and will be based at the Projects Abroad Human Rights Office. Your first week will be spent doing legal work, and building a case for a moot court. At the moot court, you’ll act as the prosecution or defence for a case you’ll research. Your second week will be devoted to practical human rights work in local communities.

You will stay with a local host family in Cape Town, and will have the chance to visit many exciting places such as Table Mountain and the historic Robben Island. All activities are organised for you, and Projects Abroad staff will be by your side throughout it all. This is a great way to meet international people your age and expand your horizons.

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High School Specials > South Africa > Human Rights

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Personalised MyProjectsAbroad website, with all the information you need about your project, accommodation and destination

A free cultural awareness course

Membership to our volunteer social media groups, to share information and to get in touch

Organised weekend tourism trips

Dedicated full-time staff members with you 24 hours a day

What's not included?

Flights

Visa costs (where applicable)

Is Human Rights work in South Africa for teenagers right for me?

This project is perfect for you if you’re a teenager interested in adding hands-on legal and human rights work experience to your CV. It may even help you decide if this is the right career for you! This is the ideal way to add value to your CV, and see more of the world at the same time.

Besides gaining practical experience in the field, you will also have a chance to raise awareness about human rights issues in South Africa. You’ll share knowledge with local people, and help them understand their basic rights. This will help demonstrate your commitment to using the law to help people in need, which could help your future career.

You don’t need any qualifications or previous experience to take part. You'll work under the supervision of legal and human rights professionals, who will teach you everything you need to know.

This High School Special runs over fixed dates in the summer, and you can pick the dates that best fit your schedule. We have a set itinerary and extra staff support, so you will be safe at all times and will receive plenty of guidance along the way.

What will I do on this internship?

You’ll join a group of interns your age, and work at the Projects Abroad Human Right Office in Cape Town and in local communities. These are some of the activities you can expect to be involved in:

Build a legal case and participate in a moot court

Take part in various human rights awareness programmes in local communities

Learn about the history of South Africa

Explore beautiful Cape Town with a group of interns your age

As a teenager, your Human Rights work in South Africa will focus on the following areas:

Build a legal case and participate in a moot court

During your internship, you will have a chance to build your own case for a moot court as the prosecution or defence. This is a mock court exercise in which students argue cases for practice. During your first week, you’ll visit various places relevant to your work, such as police stations or crisis centres. This is a great way for you to be introduced to the practical work that lawyers do. You will also have the chance to consult qualified lawyers on a daily basis. On the whole, it’s the perfect opportunity to gain legal work experience in South Africa.

Take part in various human rights programmes in local communities

Depending on the community needs at the time of your visit, you will be involved in various awareness programmes during your internship. These could include:

Evaluating the impact of our current legal clinics

Running a needs assessment in an area that may need more support

Assisting with teaching street children about the law and their basic rights

Learn about the history of South Africa

South Africa is a country with a complicated political and legal history. You will be exposed to this history through your own research, as well as visits to museums and historical sites.

Explore beautiful Cape Town with fellow interns

On the weekends and in the evenings, we’ve organised plenty of cultural and fun activities for you to enjoy with your group. You’ll visit Table Mountain and Boulders Beach, take part in fun activities like go-karting and bowling, and visit historical landmarks like Robben Island and District 6. All activities will be supervised, and there will be constant staff support.

Where in South Africa will I be working?

Cape Town

In Cape Town there is still a large gap in equality, with many people not having access to affordable legal advice. Many people are also unaware of their rights, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. We fund and run our own Human Rights Office in Cape Town, offering free legal advice for those in need. You will spend some of your time at this office, and some of your time in local communities, taking part in various human rights programmes.

Cape Town is a beautiful city surrounded by mountains and sea, with sprawling white beaches and numerous nature reserves. There is also a rich history to explore through museums, art and architecture, as well as countless outdoor activities to take part in.

AIRPORT PICKUP, FLIGHTS AND VISAS

When you arrive at your respective airport, a member of Projects Abroad staff will be there to meet you. You can find more detailed information on arrival airports, orientation, and visas on our South Africa Arrival Procedures page.

What are the aims and impact of this project?

The aim of this project is to give you the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience in the field of human rights.

Although over 20 years have passed since apartheid, South Africa still faces drastic inequality. Many citizens do not have access to affordable legal advice and have little knowledge of their own rights. By taking part in this programme, you will form part of our ongoing efforts to empower local communities and provide free legal counsel.

This internship will teach you valuable practical and theoretical skills, which you’ll be able to add to your CV and take with you into the working world or further studies. It is also an excellent opportunity to decide if a career in human rights is right for you.

Join us on this Law and Human Rights internship in South Africa and gain valuable work experience while helping to empower disadvantaged people.

Measuring Our Impact

Every year, thousands of High School Special volunteers and interns actively make a difference around the world. During their time abroad, they contribute towards achieving long-term goals and make a long-lasting positive impact on the communities where they work.

FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION

You'll stay with a host family in Cape Town. They will welcome you into their home, eager to share their customs and have you teach them about your own culture. We believe that this is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of South Africa and have a truly unique experience.

On our High School Specials, we will always try to have you share a room with at least one volunteer or intern of the same sex and approximate age. Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.

SAFETY AND STAFF SUPPORT

Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have all the extra support you need as a young person travelling abroad. Our Projects Abroad staff are there for you 24 hours a day during the week and over weekends to provide constant support and guidance. Our staff also make sure you feel comfortable and safe at your placement and accommodation. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.

Meet the team in South Africa

Justine McCarthy

Country Director

Justine was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. She is passionate about environmental conservation and has an Honours in Environmental and Geographic Science, and a Master of Philosophy in Environmental Law. Justine has been with Projects Abroad since January 2014. She started out as a volunteer advisor and work her way up to head of administrative services, operations manager and now country director for South Africa. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors, scuba diving, meeting new people and travelling. Justine has travelled extensively through Europe, and most recently visited Bolivia, Argentina, Fiji and Cyprus.

Meet the team in South Africa

Kayla Davis

Operations Manager

Kayla was born and raised in Cape Town and loves living in the Mother City. She is currently studying Business Management at False Bay FET college. She supervisors the Teaching project and loves working with the children at the schools. She joined Projects Abroad in 2013 and enjoys working with volunteers from all over the world.

Meet the team in South Africa

Maria Mulindi

Maria moved to South Africa from Kenya in 2003. She graduated from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth with an LLB law degree. Maria is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa and is qualified to practise in the Magistrate’s Court, High Court and the Labour Court. Before joining Projects Abroad in March 2011, Maria specialised in civil litigation.

Meet the team in South Africa

Sherwin Daniels

Sherwin was born and raised in Cape Town. He completed his LLB law degree at the University of the Western Cape. Whilst at university, he did an international human rights course with Howard University (USA) which is where his passion for human rights commenced. In his free time, Sherwin likes socialising and meeting new people. He also enjoys playing squash, sand-boarding and going to the gym.

Meet the team in South Africa

Judy-Rose Cyster

Judy-Rose was born and raised in Cape Town. She enjoys the outdoor life and regularly goes to the West Coast to break away from the hectic city life. She has been working in the hospitality industry for more than 4 years, but her passion has always been to make a difference in people’s lives. In high school she was part of her school’s community outreach programme and she has done volunteer work for the Art of Living Foundation.

Meet the team in South Africa

Shuan Solomons

Surfing Project Manager

Shuan is from Vrygrond in the Cape Flats and his passion to work with and help people stemmed from having witnessed the hardship faced by those in his community. He joined Projects Abroad in 2010. After working as the Social Justice Coordinator in the Projects Abroad Human Rights Office, he was appointed the role of Surfing Project Manager. This role has given him the opportunity to be creative and come up with different ways to teach life skills to young people from communities like his own.

Meet the team in South Africa

Michael Henry

Social Justice Coordinator

Michael was born and raised in Cape Town. He is extremely passionate about working with at risk youths because of how he grew up. Before joining Projects Abroad, Michael worked with youth development programmes in various communities around Cape Town for four years. His major focus was on diversion for juveniles and rehabilitation for inmates at Pollsmoor Prison. He is a decent soccer player and thoroughly enjoys physical activity and new challenges.

Meet the team in South Africa

Ashwin Scott

Care Coordinator

Ashwin was born and raised in Cape Town, his very outgoing and loves meeting new people from different cultures. He is a part time dancer and worked with children for eight years, before joining Projects Abroad. His goal in life is to help others suffering from poverty and create positive change in the world.

Meet the team in South Africa

Rebecca Hugo-Saraceno

Cape Chameleon Editor

Rebecca graduated from university in Norwich with a BA Hons in Literature and Film Studies. Since then, she worked in a range of publishing houses in the UK and moved to Cape Town with her family in 2008. She joined Projects Abroad in 2010 to start up Cape Chameleon magazine. The project offers a journalism internship to volunteers from all over the world.

Meet the team in South Africa

Fahima Adam

Nutrition Project Manager

Fahima has lived in Cape Town for most of her life and she loves living and working in this beautiful city. She is a registered dietitian, having studied at both Stellenbosch University and the University of Cape Town. She’s worked at various hospitals around the Eastern Cape and Western Cape in South Africa. Through this work, she gained the experience to help communities that need extra nutritional support. She enjoys the outdoors, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Meet the team in South Africa

Danielle Celeste Fillis

Assistant Legal Services Coordinator

Danielle was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. She received her law degree from the University of the Western Cape and later attended the School for Legal Practice at the University of Cape Town. After completing her articles and being admitted as an attorney in 2013, she practised on her own for a while before joining a predominantly civil law firm. Danielle joined our Projects Abroad Human Rights Office in March 2018. She says the best part about her job is the satisfaction she gets from helping people. In her free time, she loves hiking, being outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

Meet the team in South Africa

Samantha Speelman

Volunteer Coordinator

Samantha, 20, grew up in Cape Town and lives in Capricorn. She graduated from Immaculata High School in 2011. She is a dedicated, honest, free spirited and outspoken person. She likes hiking and meeting new people. She is involved in a Youth group at her church in her area. She likes challenges and adapts easily. She would like to travel across South Africa and experience different cultures within the African continent. She would also like to get a degree qualification in Tourism, which is her short term goal.

Meet the team in South Africa

Meschak Bugaye

Volunteer Coordinator

Meschak is from Burundi and moved to Cape Town in 2001. After studying Tourism, Meschak joined Projects Abroad in 2010 as a Volunteer Coordinator. Since then he has loved working with volunteers from different backgrounds, arranging volunteer socials and making sure their time is worthwhile. He also speaks French and enjoys playing soccer.

Meet the team in South Africa

Helena Fitchat

Conservation Director

Helena has spent over 30 years on and off in the wilderness. She is an expert tracker, has crossed the Kalahari Desert on her own and lived with Bushmen for a year. She is also a pilot, a biologist specialising in animal behaviour (for which she obtained her PhD), and she single-handedly navigated her way through the vast Okavango Delta in a leaking boat and survived! For 10 years she was the Operations Director of The Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) in Durban, South Africa.

Meet the team in South Africa

Judi Gounaris

Conservation Director

Judi spent her corporate life as a software developer and business owner in South Africa but volunteered all her spare time to helping rescue wildlife, including raising two lions. Together with her business partner, Helena Fitchat, they purchased a large tract of land in the Tuli Block in Botswana and have dedicated it to wildlife. Judi relocated and now lives there permanently. As a trustee of one of the biggest wildlife rehabilitation centres in South Africa, Judi realised that the only way to make a difference was to preserve the habitat. This is what Projects Abroad and their volunteers make possible on a daily basis.

Meet the team in South Africa

Jo Mathodi

Volunteer Supervisor

Jo is from the village of Mathathane, Botswana and has been working in the bush all his life. He is an expert tracker, loves the bush, and is passionate about sharing his knowledge with the volunteers. He is also very handy in the camp and often assists Jens with maintenance issues.

Meet the team in South Africa

Jane Manyatsa

Chef

Jane is from the village of Mathathane, Botswana and is considered the ’heart’ of Motswiri Camp. She manages the kitchen and the menus, and does all the cooking. Her meals are legendary, and it is amazing to see the food that she can produce in the middle of nowhere. Jane ensures that no one goes hungry, and our volunteers frequently tell us that they have to go home to lose weight!

Meet the team in South Africa

Patrick Rampsana

Camp Attendant

Patrick is from the village of Mathathane, Botswana and joined Motswiri Camp as a camp attendant. He previously worked in the Okavango Delta but moved home as he wanted to be closer to his family. Patrick turned the non-existent garden into a beautiful area in the camp, which he now maintains. He looks after the camp and ensures that it is kept clean and tidy. He also makes sure that everyone has hot water for showers, and often helps Jens with general maintenance.

Meet the team in South Africa

Precious Moshokgo

Camp Attendant

Precious is from the village of Mathathane, Botswana and originally started helping at Motswiri with her mother, who worked at the camp for many years. When her mother retired, she took over the position of camp attendant. It is her job to ensure that everyone is comfortable in their accommodation. Precious also helps Jane with the cooking when the camp is busy.

Meet the team in South Africa

Gabriela Estrada

Volunteer Advisor

Gabriela was born in Guadalajara, she has a degree in Foreign Languages. She has worked as an English teacher and translator for several years and she joined the Projects Abroad team in 2016. She loves spending time with her family and friends, reading, going to concerts and cultural events. Gabriela has had the opportunity to travel through South America and Western Europe.

Meet the team in South Africa

Stacey Ohlhoff

Volunteer Advisor

Stacey grew up and currently lives in Cape Town. She is a very creative person who is always finding new projects to amuse herself with in her spare time, from ceramic sculpture and baking to trawling second hand stores looking for old vinyl records to add to her ever growing collection! From a young age, Stacey has always yearned to work with a purpose and make a change and feels that with Projects Abroad this can be achieved. Stacey is the Volunteer Advisor for Ghana and Tanzania.

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